Many people may look at our situation and wonder, “How could they?” How can we move to Brazil right before our baby is born? What about expectant grandparents and family members or all of our friends? But suppose we waited until the baby was born, then left. Would that be convenient? Now everyone wants to hold the baby and watch it grow. But God’s will is not always easy and convenient. My wife may think sitting for 8 hours on a jet is inconvenient, but I’m sure Mary’s journey to Bethlehem was even less convenient.
When Jesus asked one man to follow Him, the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” (Luke 9:59) It seems unlikely that the man’s father was already dead, though possibly he was in danger of impending death. In any case, Jesus’ response leaves no room for a disciple’s delayed obedience. Certainly, it would have been more convenient for the man to bury his father and maybe collect some inheritance. Instead, Jesus instructed him to preach the gospel of the kingdom.
My wife tells me that she often thought, “Someday, maybe I will go into missions”. As the years went by, she finally realized, “What is going to change in me between now and someday? I might as well go now!” There is never a very convenient time to take such a step. It is similar to the concept of an unbeliever who waits to decide about Christ until it is too late. Such an incident is recorded in Acts 24, when Felix listened to Paul share about his faith in Christ. As Paul discussed righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and sent Paul away, saying, “When I have a convenient time, I will send for you.” There is no record that Felix ever placed his faith in Christ. Apparently there was no convenient time for that.
Let us not think lightly of our Lord’s commands or too highly of earthly things. We must often ask ourselves, “Am I allowing convenience or comfort to keep me from doing what I believe God would have me do?”